Chris Young

Sunderland transfer target Andre Ayew is close to joining West Ham in a £16million deal, according to reports today.

The Black Cats saw a bid rejected by Swansea for Ayew in the January transfer window and he was a player that continued to interest Sam Allardyce, albeit he wasn't thought to be a priority for the former Sunderland manager this summer.

But Ayew has been keen to play European football and will get his wish if his move goes through, although West Ham lost their Europa League qualifying first leg last night.

Allardyce's successor David Moyes continues to search for the elusive transfer breakthrough, with Sunderland yet to bring in any fresh faces so far this summer.

However, trialist Charles N'Zogbia will get another chance to earn a permanent contract with a start in tomorrow's final pre-season friendly in France against Montpellier.

Free agent N'Zogbia has featured in all four of Sunderland's friendlies after his release by Aston Villa at the end of last season.

Moyes could be interested by those considered surplus to requirements at his former club Manchester United after Jose Mourinho told several players that they can leave yesterday.

They included striker Will Keane and winger Adnan Januzaj, who have both been linked with Sunderland since Moyes' arrival at the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile, ex-Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid has announced his retirement after two injury-hit years at Nottingham Forest.

"I've had some wonderful experiences, played in some big games, for some big clubs, and I've enjoyed every minute of it," said Reid.